If photography is interesting to you or it’s something you’d like to pursue as a hobby and you don’t have a camera, shopping for one can be completely overwhelming. There are various types of cameras out there, and the first thing you need to find out is what camera will meet your needs best. To simplify camera shopping, there are three general styles to choose from, including digital, point and shoot, and SLR. Here are a few basic features of each of these camera styles:

Digital – If you prefer not to use film, a digital camera is a great option for you. Pictures taken with this style of camera are stored into a memory card, which you can easily transfer directly onto your computer and edit with photo editing tools, email photos directly to friends and family, post to the Internet or print on photo paper. Digital cameras are easy to use and come with a built-in flash and a lens, which could feature a fixed or zooming lens depending on which camera you purchase.

Point and shoot – If you’re not familiar with using a camera at all, this style camera is a wonderful option for your needs. If you don’t plan to take very many pictures or you just want a simple camera to capture images without any additional functions, a point and shoot camera makes it easy for you. There is an automatic flash so you don’t need to adjust anything, and there is no manual focusing or setting to be done before taking a picture. With many point and shoot cameras, a built-in zoom allows you to get closer to objects with a simple turn of a button.

SLR – Known as single lens reflex, this style camera is best for those who have experience using a camera and its many functions, and you would like to capture a variety of scenes. If you’d like to have more control over how your photos come out, such as a focusing or blurring certain aspects of your image, this style camera provides you with those needs. You’re also in control of functions such as shutter speed and aperture, which might take some initial learning.

After you determine what you would like to use your camera for, it’ll make your decision a little easier to find your ideal camera. If you are new to photography, it might be great idea to start out with a simple camera such as a point and shoot, and then to advance to a digital and finally an SLR camera.